Abstract
The increasing importance and complexity of migration globally also implies a global increase in return migration, and thus an increased interest in the health of returning migrants. The health of returning migrants is impacted by the cumulative exposure to social determinants and risk factors of health during the migration process, during the return movement, and following return. Circular migration often occurs among the diaspora, which can result in the transfer of knowledge and skills that contribute to development, including health system strengthening. Migrants with dual nationality often return to countries with better health services than their country of origin when they are sick and can not get care at home. To maintain and improve the health of returning migrants, multi-sectoral policies at global and national levels should facilitate access to appropriate and equitable health services, social services, and continuity of care across and within borders.
Highlights
Return migration is part of the migration process and refers to the act of going back to a place of origin, whether within the territorial boundaries of a country, as in the case of returning internally displaced persons (IDPs); or from a host country to an origin country, as in the case of refugees, asylum-seekers, and international migrant workers [1]
A migrant who is detained and deported may be received by civil society or reception centres in exceptional cases, but is often processed by migration authorities and does not undergo a health assessment [20]. This occurs despite the fact that many irregular migrant workers may have experienced some form of abuse, or faced critical health conditions during the migration process
Initiatives to facilitate the return of qualified health professionals to strengthen health systems have been implemented through collaborations between countries of origin and destination, and organisations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) [32]
Summary
Return migration is part of the migration process and refers to the act of going back to a place of origin, whether within the territorial boundaries of a country, as in the case of returning internally displaced persons (IDPs); or from a host country to an origin country, as in the case of refugees, asylum-seekers, and international migrant workers [1]. Factors related to the migration process, such as reasons for migrating, type of travel, length of stay, and legal status can act as determinants of a migrant’s health [3]. Return migration and health has received little attention in policy and research. This article will focus on the risk factors and social determinants of health during all phases of migration that can impact the health of returnees. It will highlight the diversity of returning migrants and illustrate through examples how return migration can influence the health of individuals and populations. The paper will conclude with policy recommendations for healthy return migration
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